Eremo della Spelonca - Image 1
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Eremo della Spelonca

4.4
·46 reviews·Lucca, Italy

A 19th-century abandoned hermitage built on medieval walls, featuring a natural cave and historical remnants.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for hiking

CrowdLow
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Eremo della Spelonca - Image 1

Eremo della Spelonca

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for hiking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 19th-century abandoned hermitage built on medieval walls, featuring a natural cave and historical remnants.

4.4
(46 reviews)

"An enchanting place where tranquility reigns, a forgotten place, but excellent for a picnic."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots

The path is a trekking route, not ideal for cycling. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the terrain.

📸 Bring Your Camera

The abandoned hermitage and its natural cave offer unique photo opportunities.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Natural Cave (Grotta)

The Natural Cave (Grotta)

Accessible via steps from the hermitage exterior

A unique natural cave with a special atmosphere, perfect for photography and a sense of discovery.

Frescoed Vault and Stone Altar

Frescoed Vault and Stone Altar

Inside the hermitage church

Glimpse the historical artistry within the abandoned church, a testament to its past.

Conical Basin and Cistern

Conical Basin and Cistern

Outside the hermitage

Discover remnants of the hermitage's past infrastructure, adding to its historical intrigue.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Hike, Not a Bike Ride

Despite map markings, Eremo della Spelonca is a trekking route. Be ready to carry your bike or opt for sturdy hiking boots. The path can be challenging, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring this abandoned gem.

Embrace the Abandonment

This 19th-century hermitage, built on medieval walls, is in a state of abandonment. While the frescoed vault and stone altar are visible, the church roof leaks. It's a place for historical curiosity and quiet contemplation, not pristine preservation.

Best Times

When
Spring and Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for hiking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer visitors, more tranquility
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots

The path is a trekking route, not ideal for cycling. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the terrain. Reddit

📸 Bring Your Camera

The abandoned hermitage and its natural cave offer unique photo opportunities. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

It's an excellent spot for a peaceful picnic amidst nature and history. Reddit

🗺️ Check Maps Carefully

Some maps incorrectly mark it as a cycling route; it's primarily for hiking. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots

The path is a trekking route, not ideal for cycling. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the terrain. Reddit

📸 Bring Your Camera

The abandoned hermitage and its natural cave offer unique photo opportunities. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

It's an excellent spot for a peaceful picnic amidst nature and history. Reddit

🗺️ Check Maps Carefully

Some maps incorrectly mark it as a cycling route; it's primarily for hiking. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(46 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Eremo della Spelonca to be a curious and enchanting abandoned hermitage, worth the hike despite its challenging trekking path. While the site is in disrepair, its historical elements like the frescoed vault and natural cave offer a unique and lasting impression for those seeking a forgotten place.

"A bit hard to find, but worth the hike!"

Anders Sand Frogner

"A curious but abandoned place...it's absolutely NOT for cycling, even though it's marked on the maps!
It's a trekking route, and for some stretches I found myself carrying my bike on my shoulder, coming from the four winds."

Luca Di Mauro

"An enchanting place where tranquility reigns. Dating back to the 19th century, this small church was built on medieval walls. Inside, you can see the frescoed vault and a stone altar. Outside, there is a conical basin, a square-mouthed cistern, and a natural cave accessible via a few comfortable steps."

Andrea D'Angelo

What People Like

Enchanting abandoned atmosphere
Unique natural cave
Historical intrigue

What People Dislike

State of disrepair
Difficult trekking path

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Eremo della Spelonca is best reached by hiking. While some maps might suggest cycling, it's a challenging trekking route. Prepare for a hike through the woods, and be aware that you might need to carry your bike for parts of the journey. Reddit

No, it's strongly advised against cycling. Travelers report having to carry their bikes for significant stretches due to the terrain. It's a dedicated trekking path. Reddit

The path involves winding trails through woods. It can be uneven and challenging, especially if you're attempting to cycle. Hiking boots are highly recommended. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Eremo della Spelonca is an abandoned historical site and does not require tickets for entry. It's freely accessible for exploration. Reddit

As an abandoned site, there are no official opening hours. You can visit at any time, but it's advisable to go during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit Eremo della Spelonca. It's a historical site open to the public for exploration. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the abandoned 19th-century hermitage, including its frescoed vault and stone altar. Don't miss the natural cave (Grotta) accessible by steps, the conical basin, and the cistern. Signs of a long-gone village are also visible. Reddit

The hermitage is in a state of abandonment. The church roof has leaks, and it's covered with a tarp. It's a historical site to be appreciated for its past rather than its current condition. Reddit

The natural cave is accessible via comfortable steps. While generally safe, exercise caution as it is a natural formation and part of an abandoned site. Reddit

Yes, photography is encouraged, especially in the natural cave, which is described as very special and worth capturing. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors find it an excellent and tranquil spot for a picnic amidst the historical ruins and surrounding nature. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Eremo della Spelonca can be an interesting outing for families with older children who enjoy a bit of adventure and history. The hike through the woods can be fun, and the abandoned hermitage with its cave offers a sense of mystery. However, parents should be aware that the site is in disrepair, so supervision is crucial, especially around the church and the cave entrance. Reddit

It's best suited for families who appreciate historical exploration and are prepared for a moderate hike. Packing a picnic is a great idea, as it provides a natural stopping point for a break. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of the uneven terrain. This is more of an 'adventure' destination than a playground, so manage expectations accordingly.

📸 Photographers and Urban Explorers

For photographers and urban explorers, Eremo della Spelonca presents a unique canvas. The abandoned state of the hermitage, with its decaying structures and visible historical elements like the frescoed vault, offers a poignant subject. The natural cave, in particular, is highlighted as a prime spot for capturing atmospheric shots. Reddit

The journey through the woods adds to the photographic narrative, creating a sense of discovery. The signs of a long-gone village also provide opportunities for capturing the essence of forgotten places. Be prepared for challenging light conditions inside the church and cave, and always prioritize safety when exploring abandoned sites.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance and Architecture

Eremo della Spelonca is a fascinating historical site, dating back to the 19th century and built upon older medieval walls. The hermitage itself features a frescoed vault and a stone altar within its small church structure. However, it's important to note that the site is in a state of abandonment, with the church roof showing signs of leakage and covered by a tarp. This adds to its melancholic charm for those interested in historical ruins. Reddit

Beyond the church, the exterior boasts a conical basin and a square-mouthed cistern, remnants of its past functionality. The most intriguing feature for many visitors is the natural cave, or 'Grotta,' which is accessible via a few comfortable steps. This natural formation offers a unique element to the historical context of the hermitage, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and explorers alike. Reddit

Navigating the Trekking Path

The journey to Eremo della Spelonca is primarily a trekking experience, despite what some maps might suggest. Travelers have reported that it's not suitable for cycling, often requiring them to carry their bikes over difficult stretches. The path winds through woods, offering a sense of seclusion and adventure before opening up to reveal the hermitage. Reddit

Given the terrain, wearing sturdy hiking boots is highly recommended. The path can be uneven and may require careful footing. The effort involved in reaching the site is often described as rewarding, especially for those seeking a unique and less-traveled destination. The sense of discovery upon arriving at this forgotten place is a significant part of its appeal. Reddit

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